Kolkata: Eminent writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi passed away at a city nursing home on Thursday following prolonged illness, an attending doctor said. She was 90.

The Ramon Magsaysay winner is survived by her daughter-in-law and grandchild. Mahasweta Devi's son pre-deceased her two years ago.

"She passed away at 3.16 p.m. following a cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure," the doctor said.